Relay for Life site new, but goals remain the same

By Russ Green and David Knopf

The cause hasn’t changed – raising money for cancer research and honoring both survivors and those who have succumbed – but walkers will have new scenery Friday when the annual Relay for Life begins.
After years on the track at Richmond High School’s football stadium, the 16th Annual Relay for Life moves to a new location – on the square in downtown Richmond.
Glenda Reynolds, chairperson of the Relay’s organizing committee, said the move was decided on to reinvigorate both the event and walkers who participate.
“The change was just to bring something different,” said Reynolds, whose husband Bryce passed away four years ago after a 13-year battle with cancer. “We just decided this year let’s give it a facelife and bring something new to the square.
“I think the teams are excited about it.”
Although teams and walkers can still sign up, through Wednesday afternoon the event had around 16 teams and 144 individuals registered.
The walk itself begins at 7 p.m. and continues through the night to 6 a.m. Saturday morning. The Relay committee will begin blocking off streets at 4 p.m. Friday.
About an hour before that, members of the Masons Club will begin frying fish on the square. Dinners will be sold from 4 to 8 p.m., with all proceeds going to the Relay.
At 6 p.m., cancer survivors will begin arriving for a gathering with food, “a tradition we’ve always done,” Reynolds said.
At 7, the opening ceremony will take place with Reynolds greeting the walkers and E-2 Seaman Apprentice Jacob Jones leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Complete story published in the June 6, 2013 edition of the Richmond News. The same edition contains photos from the Cancer Survivors’ Dinner.